Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia

Banya Bashi Mosque, Sofia

Banya Bashi, which literally translates to 'Many Baths', is a mosque in Sofia that is built on thermal spas.

Banya Bashi, which literally translates to 'Many Baths', is a mosque in Sofia that is built on thermal spas. It was built by architect and civil engineer Mimar Sinan in 1566 under Ottoman rule, and is the only operational mosque in the city. Built on a rectangular plan, the red-brick and stone mosque is noted for its large 15 metre diameter dome surmounting the central cube, and the adjacent minaret. At the front of the building is an annexe with 3 small domes, built to commemorate Kaday Saifullah Efendi's deceased wife. The 4 corners have turreted towers, while the base of the dome is surrounded by 16 turrets. Steam rises from the vents beneath the grounds and the walls of the mosque.

The ornamented interiors are a sharp contrast with the plain exterior. The walls of the prayer hall as well as the arches are made of cut stone. The mihrab (prayer niche) and eastern wall are covered in aquamarine tiles decorated with Islamic calligraphy of Quran texts. There is a large tile with an image of the Kaaba, the mosque in Mecca where all Muslims are required to go for pilgrimage.